York County Deed Records
York County deed records are maintained by the Recorder of Deeds at the York County Judicial Center in York, Pennsylvania. Deed books in the county date back to 1749, giving York County one of the longest continuous deed record histories in Pennsylvania. All documents recorded are public records except military discharge papers. You can search York County deed records for free using public computers in the office, or search online at search.yorkdeeds.com. Copy fees are $0.50 per page in office and $0.20 per page for online downloads. The office phone is 717-771-9399.
York County Quick Facts
York County Deed Records Overview
York County was established in 1749 in south-central Pennsylvania. Deed books in the county begin with that founding year, making York County's recorded deed archive among the oldest in the commonwealth. The Recorder of Deeds records and maintains all real estate documents for the county, including deeds, mortgages, easements, subdivision plans, and other instruments. The recorder also records military discharge papers and notary bonds and commissions. As an elected position, the Recorder serves a four-year term and maintains the county's comprehensive real estate index.
York County has made significant investments in online access to its deed records. The dedicated search portal at search.yorkdeeds.com provides public access to York County property records including deed index and document information. Users should note that records being processed may not yet appear in the online system, and the information is provided solely for public convenience. The Register of Deeds does not certify the authenticity of online information, and modification of the online data is prohibited by federal law.
Pennsylvania's race-notice recording statute at 21 P.S. § 351 applies in York County. The first party to record a valid deed in good faith holds priority over any later claimants. With York County's large population and active real estate market in the York and Hanover areas, prompt recording after closing is critical to protecting your property interest.
York County Recorder of Deeds
The York County Recorder of Deeds is located at the York County Judicial Center in York. The recorder records and maintains all real estate documents and records military discharge papers and notary bonds. A Fraud Notify Service is available for property owners who want to monitor recorded documents in their name. The Hometown Heroes Military Discount Card program is also available through the recorder's office. Online copy fees are $0.20 per page. In-office copy fees are $0.50 per page. As of November 14, 2025, the JCS/Access to Justice Fee is $41.25 per filing. A 3.5% credit card processing fee applies to online transactions.
| Office | York County Recorder of Deeds York County Judicial Center York, PA |
|---|---|
| Phone | 717-771-9399 |
| Online Search | search.yorkdeeds.com |
| Online Copy Fees | $0.20 per page |
| Office Copy Fees | $0.50 per page |
Searching York County Deed Records
York County provides multiple ways to search deed records. The online system at search.yorkdeeds.com is the primary web portal, offering free public access to the deed index and document information. You can also use the county's Assessment Information database to find the deed book and page number for any property. The step-by-step process is: go to yorkcountypa.gov, click Government, then Assessment and Tax Claim Office, then Assessment Information, then Searchable Assessment Database. Use Basic Search, enter the owner name (last, first), click on the name, then click OWNER to find the Record Book and Page in the center of the page.
York County's official guide to getting a deed copy walks you through the step-by-step process of finding your deed book and page, searching the online system, and obtaining a certified or uncertified copy. This guide covers both in-person and online methods for accessing York County deed records.
The York County online records search at search.yorkdeeds.com provides public access to deed index information and document data. Search by owner name or document type to locate recorded instruments in York County. Online images cost $0.20 per page for download.
The York County Recorder of Deeds official page at yorkcountypa.gov provides detailed information about recording requirements, fee schedules, the fee calculator, e-recording partners, and the Fraud Notify Service. This is the authoritative source for all current York County deed recording procedures.
The York County Archives at yorkcountyarchives.org holds Deed Books from 1749 to 1943, Mortgage Books from 1842 to 1951, Will Books from 1749 to 1973, and various other historical county records. The Archives is the best resource for historical deed research in York County, particularly for records from the colonial and early national periods.
For online searches using the Landex Webstore, select York County under Pennsylvania and then choose Deed under Document Type. Review the matching records list and click the desired record to download. The Landex Webstore for York County is free to search, with a $0.80 per page fee for pre-1944 records in the IQS system. For York County house accounts (draw-down accounts) for frequent online users, contact the recorder at 717-771-9399.
Recording and Transfer Requirements
Documents submitted for recording in York County must include a complete notary acknowledgment with the county and state of signing, the date, and a clear notary signature and stamp. A Certificate of Residence for the grantee is required. Taxable transfers require a completed Form REV-183 Realty Transfer Tax Statement of Value. The recorder collects Pennsylvania's 1% state realty transfer tax and any applicable local rate at recording. Most York County municipalities add a local rate of 1%, for a combined total of 2% on most transfers.
Beginning January 1, 2023, notaries in York County must register their signature with the Prothonotary's office. The total cost for notary signature, bond, and commission recording is $44.00. York County has approved e-recording partners for electronic deed submissions. The JCS/Access to Justice Fee as of November 14, 2025 is $41.25 per filing. For infrequent online users, credit card payment is accepted for document downloads. Frequent online users can set up a draw-down House Account through the recorder's office at 717-771-9399. Use the PRODA fee calculator at padeeds.com to estimate all recording fees before filing any deed in York County.
Note: York County deed records at the York County Archives date back to 1749 and are available for in-person research. These historical records include deed books, mortgage books, will books, and naturalization records covering over 275 years of York County history.
Historical York County Land Records
York County has one of the oldest and most complete deed record histories in Pennsylvania. Deed books start from 1749, reflecting the county's founding in the colonial era. The York County Archives holds deed books in two periods: 1749 to 1912 and 1913 to 1943, both searchable through the Archives' online catalog at yorkcountyarchives.org. Mortgage books from 1842 to 1951, will books from 1749 to 1973, and naturalization records from around 1799 to 1990 are also preserved at the Archives.
The Pennsylvania State Archives holds warrant registers and early land records for the York County area, including colonial-era grants from the Penn family to early settlers. These records predate the county's formation and connect the modern deed record system to the original land patents issued under William Penn's proprietorship. Researchers tracing York County properties back to the 18th century will find the State Archives at pa.gov an essential resource alongside the county's own deed books and the York County Archives.